This week the topic for my Masters class was primarily the behaviorist learning theory. We were to evaluate the role of the behaviorist learning theory in today's classroom, particularly in applications of educational technology.
The behaviorist approach does have a place in today's classroom. Most teachers use classroom management which are behaviorist techniques. Teachers adopt a system of rewards and punishments to reinforce desired behaviors and eliminate inappropriate ones. Dr. Orey (Orey, 2001) supports this theory because it helps achieve desired behavior in education by implementing contracts, consequences, and reinforcement of a child's behavior. Also, the behaviorist learning theory is used in drill and practice, remediation and tutorial programs in today's classroom. "Skills are not acquired without frequent practice" (Smith, 1999). Homework provides an opportunity for students to drill and practice what they have learned.
Educational technology provides an avenue for students to drill and practice their skills. There are video tutorials, games, and quiz shows that make learning accessible to all children. For example, I use www.brainpopjr.com for whole group instruction and individual learning and practice. This online program covers science, health, reading, writing, social studies, math, art, and technology. The tutorials are colorful, cute, age appropriate, and incorporate auditory and visual learning. There are also short quizzes and games for each subject. I also use a remedial online reading program called Lexia (www.lexialearning.com). This provides extra support to six of my 2nd graders to help bring their reading skills up to grade level. This program is also auditory and visual for each child. They work independently through tutorials and then respond to prompts. When they pass certain milestones (or skills), a certificate of achievement can be printed out for them. This positive reinforcement makes them beg me to let them work on Lexia everyday. This type of reinforcement is in line with B.F Skinner's Operant Conditioning (Orey, 2001). Animals and humans repeat acts that lead to favorable outcomes. The Lexia reading program is dramatically helping the reading level of each child, if they spend at least thirty minutes a day using it. There are many other educational technology tools available that can provide lessons, practice, and games which are beneficial to helping students strengthen their reading and math skills. "Multiple exposures to material help students deepen their understanding of content and become proficient with skills" (Pitler, 2007).
In conclusion, I think there is plenty of room for the behaviorist learning theory in today's classroom. Children respond to positive reinforcement, which enables teachers to have good classroom management and produce more effort coming from their students.
Reference List
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from
http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Smith, K. (1999). The behaviourist orientation to learning. In The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from http://infed.org/biblio/learning-behaviourist.htm
Janet,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts. Is Lexia a free resource or is it something that your district purchased? I haven't heard of that one before. Since you only have six of your students working on Lexia, do the others want to try it, too?
I primarily use two websites with my students. I began using Compass Learning for Language Arts and Math. The district wanted us to assign grade level material. However, my students have learning disabilities and are currently working below grade level. It was too difficult and they were frustrated from the start. Now, I assigned activities that are on their level but they are not as motivated to work on it because of their original experience.
However, I also use Reading A to Z (RAZ). I am able to insert my students' current reading levels. Then the students read passages and answer comprehension questions. They are always excited to earn points and move on to the next level.
I agree with you that there is a place for behavioral learning theory in the current classroom and with technology. I am always excited to seek out new resources. Let me know if you know of any other educational web resources. I have fifth graders, but they are all working below grade level.
I look forward to hearing back from you!
Christie
Christie,
ReplyDeleteYes, my school did purchase the Lexia program. It is definitely worth looking into for your school. Every student in my class is able to use the program, even from home. I keep track of the progress of only six of my students that need the extra support in reading. This program allows me to set up a "classroom" for only those six students, so I can easily track their progress. The program is so colorful and offers rewards, so even my excellent readers want to do it. Unfortunately, I only have four computers in my classroom and I just do not have the time for any other children to use the program, except those that really need it.
There is a free program called EasyCBM that I use several times a year to track word recognition, and passage fluency of each of my students. There are also reading comprehension tests online with this program. Once you give the one minute tests and record the results, this program offers graphs to show their progress. It is a good diagnostic tool, for free.
Janet,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. It sounds like Lexia is a wonderful program for all readers, especially struggling readers.
Just to clarify, your whole class can use the program? However, because of resources and time, only those six students use it in your classroom? Do the others use it at home? Are there laptops or a computer lab that your class can use?
So, I could just register on EasyCBM for free? I will have to look into that one, too! Thanks for the resource!
Christie,
ReplyDeleteLexia is a wonderful program for remedial readers. I only have my six struggling readers using it everyday. They need it and I only have four computers in my classroom. The rest of my class can log on at home and use it, but I doubt that they do.
Easy CBM is free. It is a very good diagnostic tool to track each students' word fluency, passage fluency, and comprehension. However, it does require one-on-one time with each student. The word fluency test takes one minute, per student, for example. I always need help in my classroom when I am trying to give these tests.
Janet